Butterflies in Mind -- Zinnia
Susan C. Dunlap
A collection of 50 images as if seen from a butterfly’s point of view. Includes the names of native Zinnia species and the most complete list of US butterflies that will feed on Zinnia blossoms.
Butterflies in Mind -- Asclepias
Susan C. Dunlap
“Milkweed is the single most important plant for Monarch butterflies. This lavishly illustrated book contains details about the structure and cultivation of native Milkweeds, information about the 139 nectar-feeding butterflies they...
Butterflies in Mind -- Monarch
Susan C. Dunlap
This abundantly illustrated volume enables you to select from a complete list of well described perennial nectar plants that are known to attract & feed Monarch butterflies. Over 40 genera are described that are suitable to be grown...
Butterflies in Mind -- Perennials
Susan C. Dunlap
Butterflies in Mind - Perennials. This book is a definitive guide to perennial nectar plants preferred by US butterflies. It empowers you to feed, attract, support (and help identify) nectar-feeding butterflies that reside in the US....

Aster alpinus

Family: Asteraceae

Common name: ALPINE ASTER

Native to: Alps

Sentiments: elegance and daintiness, patience

Plant

Type: perennial

Forms: clumping, erect

Max height: 0.80 feet

Max width: 1.5 feet

Flower

magenta/purple, pink, secondary color present, violet

Leaf

green

Horticulture

Attracts wildlife: adult butterfly, bird, specific butterfly species

Plant part consumed by birds: seeds

Plant features: naturalizes

Exposure: sun

Propagates by: cutting, division, seed

flowers in fall

flowers in summer

Soil type: loam

USDA Zones: zone 3 -40 f, zone 4 -30 f, zone 5 to -20 f, zone 6 to -10 f, zone 7 to 0 f, zone 8 to +10 f, zone 9 to +20 f

Temp. range: -40 to +30 °F

Water: regular

Butterflies that feed on this plant

Aster, a member of the Compositae family, is a genus containing 458 species.

This deciduous plant, Aster alpinus, grows to almost a foot tall, flowers in summer and fall, and will naturalize when grown in favorable conditions. It can be cultivated by either cuttings, division of the plant, or by seed. As the name implies, it can be grown in chilly Zones, including Zones 3-9. It prefers regular watering. Aster alpinus can be grown in a container where its propensity to naturalize is a benefit to encourage you to divide the plant often - put the divided clump in another pot or share with family, neighbors, or a friend.

Aster novi-belgii 'Tiny Tot' stays a diminutive 1/2 foot tall; Aster novi-belgii 'Winston Churchill" grows to 4 feet tall. Aster alpinus and amellus grow to 1-1½ feet high. A broad assortment of Asters will grow in Zones 4-9.

Asters attract a very long list of butterflies to feed, two are shown below. Bees will come to this plant as well.